A study, "Back strength and flexibility of EMS providers in practicing preshospital providers," took 90 subjects at a regional conference and administered fitness assessments. It concluded that 39.1% of subjects reported a back injury in the previous 6 months while performing EMS duties. Just as worrisome, more than half (52.2%) indicated that these injuries interfered with their daily EMS activities. These numbers are frighteningly high.

As you can imagine, the root of the problem boiled down to two primary factors: EMS providers in the sample were significantly overweight and lacked the sufficient back strength and flexibility to safely perform their daily duties.

Statistically, either you or your partner will have a back injury unless you change. What can you do?  Well, you can start by eating correctly, staying active and stretching!

Crill MT, Hostler D: "Back Strength and Flexibility of EMS Providers in Practicing Prehospital Providers." Journal Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation. Volume 15, Number 2/:105-111, June 2005.